A cool morning greeted skippers from across the UK as they arrived for Round 2 of the RG65 class traveller’s series with a swirling wind across the lake providing some pre-race angst in the car park. Fortunately by the time of race one the predicted NNW wind funnelled down the lake, albeit with a few light patches to get things underway. For the 26 boats of varying design, including a good contingent of Dragons A rigs were chosen for the 2 seeding races with Ken Binks first to post a win in race one and Brad Gibson following suit in seeding 2. With fleets now sorted, the racing proper got under way where the front runners of Gibson, Binks, Dave Potter, Noel Donaldson and Mark Dicks enjoyed some hard fought races. Just off the front group there were some great tussles between skippers looking to consistently avoid the ‘drop to B bubble’.

As the day progressed the wind straightened and strengthened further allowing PRO Bill Culshaw to square up the course for some fast paced racing with these small yet nimble well tuned yachts showing just what they are capable of at the top of the A & B rig ranges.

When our 4.15pm finish came around, a full 10 races of 2 heats had been completed without protest or problem skippers retired to the Birkenhead clubhouse to reflect on a great days racing where all agreed more of the same would be most welcome.

As for the scores, it was Brad Gibson who went on to record a strong win, from the fast and ever improving Dave Potter, with Phil Holliday edging out Noel Donaldson for the final podium place.

Skippers roundly thanked the Birkenhead race team of Bill Culshaw, Judith Baldwin, Victoria Gibson, Martin Roberts and Jack Turner for a great days racing.

Attention now turns to the next round of this year’s Travellers series to be held on Saturday the 21st of May at Lincoln MYC. All details on upcoming RG65 events can be found on the RG65 Class owner’s association website at www.rg65.org.uk

Report by Birkenhead Race Team

Results:

A full set of over 80 photos from the event is available in our gallery

If you haven’t already confirmed and paid for your entry for the IOM Nationals, your time is running out. We have 82 entries, 74 of those confirmed (paid). Entry is restricted to 84 boats and will opened up to overseas entrants if any places remain at the end of this month.

Early entry for the RG65 Open and the IOM Veterans would be appreciated so we know the numbers to organise for in advance.